So, you’re considering relocating while working remotely. Many people make this type of relocation work. However, there are some things you should be aware of, including the career implications, communications with your employer, financial implications, and moving logistics. If you keep all these factors in mind, moving while working from home will be a breeze!
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Consider Career Implications
If you’re already working fully remotely, then relocating may not affect your career as much. However, if you’re going to be working remotely for the first time—or if you’re moving from a hybrid role to a remote position—you should consider the effects of this move. Evidence shows that remote workers are 31% less likely to be promoted than their in-person counterparts. These remote workers also tend to receive less mentorship.
In addition, do you ever have any in-person meetings? If you are moving farther away from your company, this move will make these more difficult to attend. Also, take time zones into account. If you’re planning to move into a different time zone from your current employer, you may need to negotiate to adjust your work hours. You might also need to adopt a different work schedule yourself.
Moreover, make sure that your current role and any future positions you’re interested in at your workplace are truly fully remote. Even if you can do your current job remotely at the moment, will all of its functions be fully remote over time? In addition, if you get promoted, could your new job be done from afar as well?
Communicate With Your Employer
Even if you’re already a remote worker, before you start changing your mailing address, you must communicate with your employer about your intention to work remotely.
Make sure you review your company’s policies before committing to any kind of move. Ask your employers about policies to ensure you’re not missing anything. Your company may have limitations on where you can move, depending on which states they can do business in. They may also have other regulations, like internet speed requirements, that could affect your choice of location or home.
On the other hand, if you get lucky, your employer could offer you relocation assistance during your remote move.
Consider Financial Implications
A remote work relocation can also have financial implications even if you are already a remote worker. These implications especially apply if you’re planning to move to another state in your remote work relocation.
For example, if you’re moving somewhere with a lower cost of labor than your current location, you might undergo a pay cut.
It’s also possible that you’ll have to pay higher taxes, depending on where you move. If you’re moving to a different state than your workplace, expect changes in your taxes as well. For example, you may need to file two tax returns. Also, consider the tax implications if you’re planning on spending substantial time in the state that your workplace is in. Lastly, determine if your moving expenses are tax-deductible.
Different states also have different regulations governing factors like benefits, such as retirement plans and vacation hours. Research the regulations in your new state so that you’re aware of any possible changes to your benefits after your remote work relocation.
Plan For Moving Logistics
If you’re a remote worker, make sure you plan your move well to avoid any disruptions to your work schedule as you make the move. Get a moving checklist ready so that you stay organized during your remote work relocation!
Before the move, set aside time to take care of tasks like house cleaning and packing electronics. If you already work from home, maybe you can get some of this done during work breaks.
In addition, estimate how long the move will take. You should let your team know about this upcoming move and plan so that you won’t be as busy for its duration. For example, you can try to schedule the move so it falls between projects.
Know that it might take some time after your move before you can get back to work as usual. For example, you might experience delays in getting the internet set up. You might also face unexpected factors during the move that make your move take more time than planned. Look into coworking spaces or coffee shops that you can work remotely from. It might not be feasible to work from your home immediately.
Plan out your new home office so you can set it up promptly when you arrive. Make sure you have a comfortable space to work from home after relocation!
Hire a Moving Company
If you’re planning to relocate while working remotely, you likely want to hire a moving company so your transition to your new home is as seamless as possible. Consider hiring UniMovers for your moving needs. UniMovers is a labor-only moving company: we provide only the muscle, saving you 30-50% of the cost of hiring a full-service moving company. Hiring a reputable company like UniMovers can save you stress on your moving day. This way, you can get back to remote work!
Conclusion
Hopefully now you feel more confident about moving while working from home. As a recap, someone who’s planning to relocate while working remotely has various factors to consider. Becoming a remote worker has some career implications, and it’s important to communicate with one’s company about moving plans. Moving can also have financial implications, including changes in salary. In addition, there are logistics to consider, such as having a backup plan for getting work done despite disruptions. If you craft a plan and communicate with the necessary parties, your moving day will be a breeze.
Looking to move soon?
Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
FAQ
A remote work relocation to another state can cause changes in your salary and benefits. It might complicate your taxes; for example, you might need to file tax returns in two states.
Make sure you organize your move well and plan your new home office so you’re comfortable in it. Have a backup plan in case you don’t have an internet connection immediately after moving.
You should communicate with your employer about your intention to move, even if you already work remotely. Your employer may have regulations governing where you can live. They might also offer relocation assistance.
Sophie Pollack-Milgate has a day job as a research assistant. In her free time, she likes to read 10% of the library books she checks out, complain about how either ice or heat are ruining her runs (depending on the season), and modify recipes beyond recognition.
